The Area
Glebe Barn Loft sits in the heart of the Causeway Coast and Glens — one of the most scenic corners of Ireland. From dramatic clifftop castles to world-famous landmarks, puffin-filled islands to pristine Blue Flag beaches, there's no shortage of things to see and do within easy reach.
Derry ~ Londonderry
Just 9 miles from the barn, Derry is one of Ireland's great cities and well worth an evening — or a full day. Walk the 17th-century city walls, the only complete set remaining in Ireland. Explore the Bogside murals, visit the award-winning Museum of Free Derry, and take in the Peace Bridge over the Foyle. The city has a lively restaurant and bar scene, superb live music, and a rich and complex history that repays exploration. It's also one of the friendliest cities in Ireland — easy to fall in love with. Fans of Derry Girls will recognise plenty of landmarks from the show, and the Derry Girls mural on Orchard Street has become one of the most photographed spots in Ireland.
Derry Halloween
Every year at the end of October, Derry hosts what is widely regarded as the best Halloween festival in the world. The city transforms completely — the walls are illuminated, the streets fill with elaborate costumes, and there are fireworks, street performers, live music, and carnival events throughout the city. It draws visitors from across Ireland, the UK, and beyond, and the atmosphere is genuinely unlike anything else.
The Barn Loft is just 9 miles away — close enough to be in the city for the festivities and back in the peace of the countryside for the night. Demand for accommodation during Halloween week is extremely high, so if you're planning a visit, book well in advance.
Castles & Historic Sites
Giant's Causeway
Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site (~40 min). The iconic basalt columns are even more impressive in person.
Dunluce Castle
A dramatic medieval clifftop ruin near Bushmills (~35 min). One of Northern Ireland's most iconic landmarks, with a history as turbulent as the seas below.
Mussenden Temple
A clifftop folly perched above the Atlantic at Downhill Demesne (~20 min). Free to visit and unforgettable at sunset.
Kinbane Castle
A ruined 16th-century castle on a limestone headland west of Ballycastle (~50 min). Free, quiet, and spectacular — a genuine hidden gem.
Ballintoy Harbour
A tiny, picturesque fishing harbour (~45 min) reached via a dramatic winding road. A Game of Thrones filming location and beautiful in its own right.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
A thrilling rope bridge strung between the mainland and a tiny island (~45 min). Stunning coastal views — book ahead in summer.
Beaches
Benone Strand
Seven miles of open Blue Flag beach (~20 min). One of Ireland's finest, wide and uncrowded even in summer.
Castlerock Beach
A quieter Blue Flag beach just along the coast (~20 min). Easily combined with a visit to Mussenden Temple next door.
Portstewart Strand
Two miles of pristine National Trust beach (~25 min). Cars can drive onto the sand. Harry's Shack restaurant sits right on the dunes.
Whitepark Bay
A stunning crescent of white sand near Ballintoy (~48 min), managed by the National Trust. Often quiet and well worth the drive.
Murlough Bay
A remote, sheltered bay near Ballycastle (~55 min) — one of the most peaceful spots on the whole coast. Far from the crowds.
Ballycastle Beach
A Blue Flag beach in the harbour town of Ballycastle (~50 min), with easy access to the famous Morton's Fish & Chips.
Walks & the Outdoors
Binevenagh Mountain
Dramatic basalt cliffs rising above Limavady, just 20 minutes away. Panoramic views across Lough Foyle to Donegal, and a Game of Thrones filming location (the Dothraki Grasslands).
Causeway Coast Way
One of Europe's great long-distance coastal walks. Even a single section — say, Downhill to Ballycastle — makes for a spectacular day out.
Roe Valley Country Park
Peaceful riverside walks through ancient woodland just a short drive from the barn. Perfect for a gentle morning out.
Fair Head
Basalt cliffs rising 180m from the sea at the northeastern tip of Northern Ireland (~52 min). On a clear day you can see the Scottish coast — only 12 miles away.
Glenariff Forest Park
The showpiece of the Nine Glens of Antrim (~60 min). Waymarked waterfall trails through ancient oak woodland, with boardwalk paths along the river.
Rathlin Island
Northern Ireland's only inhabited island, reached by ferry from Ballycastle (~55 min drive + 25 min ferry). Home to a massive puffin colony — best April to August.
Golf
Royal Portrush
Ranked in the world's top 10 and host of The Open Championship (~22 min). The Dunluce Links is a bucket-list course.
Portstewart Golf Club
Three courses including the Strand Course, which hosted the Irish Open in 2017 (~22 min). World-class links golf among the dunes.
Castlerock Golf Club
The Mussenden Course is rated among Ireland's top five (~20 min). Dramatic clifftop and links terrain right on the doorstep.
Water Sports & Activities
Sea Safaris
RIB tours from Ballycastle and Portrush (~30–50 min) exploring sea caves and watching dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds along the north coast.
Surfing & Paddleboarding
Portrush is Northern Ireland's surf capital (~22 min). Surf schools and board hire available right at East Strand and White Rocks.
Kayaking & Coasteering
Guided sea kayak tours and coasteering sessions exploring sea caves and arches between Portrush and Ballycastle. Great for adventure seekers.
The Dark Hedges
The famous Game of Thrones tree tunnel (~35 min). Best visited early morning for the full atmospheric effect.
Old Bushmills Distillery
The world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery (~30 min). Tours and tastings available daily — a must for whiskey lovers.
Food & Drink
Derry
With the barn just 9 miles from the city, Derry's restaurant scene is well within reach for a great night out. Pyke n'Pommes is a Derry institution — legendary street food and loaded fries that punch well above their weight. Browns in Town is one of the city's most-loved restaurants, known for its warm atmosphere and excellent cooking. Coupe by the Dirty Souls is a brilliant wine bar and small plates spot — relaxed, interesting, and very good. Umi does superb Japanese-inspired food, and Mekong is the go-to for Vietnamese. That's before you've even scratched the surface — Derry has a food scene that consistently surprises visitors.
The North Coast
Harry's Shack at Portstewart Strand serves daily-caught seafood right on the beach and is consistently rated one of the best restaurants in Northern Ireland. The Ramore restaurants at Portrush Harbour offer everything from casual harbour-side dining to rooftop tapas. The Bushmills Inn is a historic coaching inn with an award-winning restaurant and a unique 1608 gaslit bar. And Morton's Fish & Chips in Ballycastle is a local institution — well worth the drive.
Closer to home, Greysteel has a local shop and takeaways. Limavady, about 10 minutes away, has a wider range of cafés, restaurants, and supermarkets.
Getting Here
The barn is around 9 miles from Derry city centre and easily reached by car. City of Derry Airport is approximately 15 minutes away with direct flights from several UK and European cities. Belfast International Airport is around 1 hour 20 minutes by road. Full directions will be provided with your booking confirmation.
Ready to Explore?
Book your stay and use the Glebe Barn Loft as your base for the Causeway Coast.
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